TIEN GIANG (VNS) — A whirlwind yesterday hit Tan Phuoc District in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Tien Giang, blowing away the roofs of dozens of houses.

The district's People Committee said the whirlwind, accompanied by heavy rain that started on Sunday, completely destroyed 12 houses and damaged nearly 70 others by blowing away their roofs.

One person was seriously injured after he was hit by a tree that fell down.

The district's electricity network was also heavily damaged, causing a short-circuit that lasted a day.

Local residents said the tornado hit them so suddenly and powerfully that they had no time to prepare themselves for it.

Security forces have been mobilised to help the people repair their homes, remove fallen trees and stabilise normal life.

Earlier in October, a tornado hit the same district, destroying 45 houses and causing damage worth more than VND500 million (nearly US$25,000), the local Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said. — VNS